Tag Archives: gift ideas

Spice up your gift giving this Christmas when you’re buying a gift for him, and let us help you find a gifts that matches his hobbies, personality or your love for him. aftcra has put together a list of unique Christmas 2016 gifts for him – full of all handmade, all made in the USA gift idea that is sure to leave your guy loving your thoughtfulness.

If you’re not seeing something that’ll wow your man, be sure to check back often as we’ll be frequently adding new gift ideas to this unique Christmas 2016 Gifts for Him list!

You want to make her holiday, and we don’t blame you. Get her a completely unique gift (made with love) for the holidays – and let aftcra be your little helper! We have come up with our list of unique Christmas 2016 Gifts for Her – a list of some of our favorite products. All of the products on this list are handmade AND made in America by talented artisans, so each gift is not only unique, but handcrafted with love for the loved one in your life.

Don’t see something that she’ll go ga-ga for? Check back often as we’ll be updating this unique Christmas 2016 Gifts for Her guide regularly with new ideas that’ll be right up her ally.

This nautical-inspired handmade jewelry shop is everything that summer is about – just a look through the collection gives you all of the beach feels you can get. From simple wave bracelets to more detailed feather rings, every piece quickly becomes a summer staple that can be layered upon, or left to star on it’s own. We want to share the story behind Nautical Wheeler, the shop focused on beach jewelry wear.

Let’s get to know Jen and the story behind the Nautical Wheeler (visit the aftcra shop here)!

I live in New England and work from home. I think it’s especially important that when you work from home, you make your office a place you really want to be. I’ve filled my office with pieces that inspire me and remind me of the beach. I always keep seaside treasures nearby, like seashells and driftwood, just in case I need a little added inspiration.

What is your background? How did you get started in your line of work?

I’ve been doing metalwork for 4 years but jewelry making for well over 10 years!

I’ve been very lucky to have family in the jewelry industry. I studied metalwork under my aunt who was a goldsmith for over 40 years. I taught myself other kinds of jewelry making skills, like knotting techniques and beading but found my true passion in metalwork.

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

I wanted a name that rang true to who I was and what I loved. A nautical wheeler is a person who builds ships and is a sailor at heart. Having spent most of my childhood on boats and out at sea this expression really spoke to me.

How do you create your work?

My process starts with an idea. Sometimes it’s easy to bring an idea to life, other times it takes several rough drafts before I get it looking the way I pictured. I usually start by either hand-sawing a sheet of Sterling silver or balling small pieces of silver together. The item is now just a soft notion of what I want it to be. So I’ll go in with metal filers and a variety of shaping tools to add details and get rid of sharp edges. From there it really depends on what type of jewelry I want the piece to be. If it’s going to be a ring, I’ll handcraft a Sterling band using a torch and solder to attach the two pieces. Next the ring will go through a series of cleaning and polishing until I get it just right. That’s when it’s ready to be wrapped and sent off to one of my lovely customers.

What is the inspiration for your work?

I grew up in Vancouver and spent every Summer on Vancouver Island. There wasn’t a day in my childhood when I couldn’t smell the salty air, that I wasn’t rummaging on the beach for seaside treasures or out on a boat with friends. I never lost my love for the sea as I grew up and I still find myself drawn to its sandy shores. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what inspires me about the beach. There’s so many different textures and colors, that I always feel like there’s some new form of inspiration. Whether it’s sea glass tumbled by the waves, the glistening water or a small feather found in the sand.

What is your next new exciting project?

I’m planning on doing new designs for Fall/Winter using coastal enamel colors and organic shapes. As soon as the new collection is ready, I’ll be putting it up on Aftcra so stay tuned!

As a small business owner, what is one piece of advice you would share with other small business owners?

The best advice I could give is that if you have a great idea or product, don’t sit on it. Just do it! I thought about creating Nautical Wheeler Jewelry for a year before I finally decided to test the waters. This has always been my biggest regret. There is only so much research you can do, only so many people you can talk to and only so many business plans you can write. At the end of the day you just need to get out there and show people what you’ve got.

What is a quote that you personally live by, or you have shared with others for inspiration?

The quote that has most inspired and motivated me is this one from Roald Dahl, “I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good.”

What handmade-related business resources do you use to help improve your business?

Earlier this year I started taking classes on Skillshare. I had read about it from an article in Inc Magazine (another great resource!). I wanted to increase my presence on Instagram and took every class Skillshare had to help figure out what I was doing wrong. A few months later I went from having 60 followers to over 900! I was elated and not just because my follower count had increased, but because I finally felt that my Instagram account reflected the story I was trying to tell through my jewelry line.

Why did you choose to join aftcra, and what do you enjoy about the community?

I love that Aftcra features products handmade in the USA. I think it’s so important to know where your purchases come from and how they’re created. Aftcra really lets you reach out to the creators of products. It’s people dealing with people and I love that!

What does “handmade” and “handcrafted” mean to you?

Handmade is an endearing term meaning something that is created from the heart. Everyone should own something handmade, even if it’s just one thing. There’s something special about handmade items that you can feel when you hold them. I think that something special is love. With every piece of jewelry I make, I like to think I send out a little bit of love with it. I think that’s something everyone deserves to have.

Get regular updates from Jen and her shop Nautical Wheeler! Connect with Nautical Wheeler’s social profiles here:

Want to get featured on aftcra’s homepage! Interested in becoming aftcra’s Featured Store of the month? Send an email to info@aftcra.com and we will send you the requirements. All requests will be considered to become the next aftcra Featured Store.

Have you checked out aftcra yet? Discover handmade goods from American artisans at aftcra.

I think we can all agree, sometimes dads are tough to shop for. I’ve always found the best way to find gifts for the guys in my life is to pinpoint an interest and work backward from there. If he’s a great cook, an apron or some customized utensils would be perfect. Maybe he’s into cars, and would welcome a unique key chain. A movie lover might appreciate a hand-painted popcorn bowl.

The point is, Dad likes something, which means there’s a gift that’s perfect for him. There are so many great handmade artists out there, making exactly what you’re looking for. Be the kid that puts in the thought and effort into finding it, and make it even harder for Dad to not have a favorite. Here’s a list of handmade gifts for Dad for Father’s Day.

I don’t know about the rest of the country, but beer growlers are HUGE here in Oregon. When your dad takes his to the local shop to have it filled, everyone else will be asking “Where did you get that carrier?”

I’ve been sewing and crafting for as long as I can remember. If there’s a technique I haven’t tried, it’s probably on my wish list. At my blog, Crafty Staci, I share beginner-friendly craft and sewing tutorials, simple recipes, links to fun things I find elsewhere and my successful, and sometimes not-so-successful, attempts at expressing my own creativity. I find that people who haven’t tried it before are occasionally hesitant to take that first step into making things. I try to guide and inspire them to jump in and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way. I hope to encourage others to create and keep handmade alive and well.

Aside

Dad. The head of family. The provider. The rock. The coach. The softie. The man – Dad is ‘the man.’ A dad’s role is a full one, and they work hard at it. From the earliest days of the caveman dad their role was to provide for and protect their family while being crafty and resourceful too. Obviously a dad’s role in the today’s family has evolved to include so much more than this – but these basic principles of still often apply in all they do for us. Father’s Day is a great day to find an extraordinary Father’s Day gift that lets that special man in your life know how much you care.

Finding the right gift to really show your appreciation for dad can be a challenge. Of course, homemade coupons for free lawn work or a car wash are always a nice gesture, but sometimes a little something extra is necessary. Whether the dad you’re thinking of this Father’s Day is trendy, outdoorsy, or a good old-fashioned manly-man, Aftcra’s online collection of handmade American products has a selection of gifts perfect for every kind of dad. A handcrafted gift made with great care and craftsmanship will help you express your appreciation to the dad in your life for everything they do. Here are just a few great ideas for three different types of dads to help make any dads day:

The ‘On Trend’ Dad

If the dad you’re thinking of is the stylish type, then you now they are on a mission to work hard and look good while doing it. These gift ideas are must haves to help dad make his mission possible:

Dad is meticulously about his morning man ‘routine,’ as he should be; looking and smelling great helps him take on the day. This manly scented beer soap is just the right thing to start the morning off right.

This well cultured dad can do just about anything, and picking up the guitar and strumming a few hits is just another talent he possesses. This guitar pick customized with your own words lets him know how much you appreciate all his skills.

He’s one with the earth – a real nature lover who knows the name of every bird, tree, and fish in the creek. Help him stay connected with his passion by giving him something he can use on his adventures, or while dreaming of one.

The stories of his explorations in the wild can entertain and inspire us all for generations to come. This leather covered journal is the perfect accessories for dad to keep on hand and record all his amazing adventures.

He loves the forest and the stream, but currently lives in a concrete jungle. Help dad to remember all he loves about nature with this unique woodsy, earthy aromatherapy spritzer. It can be used on the body, clothing or linens.

I’m a lover of all things interior design, a wannabe fashionista, a wine and good food enthusiast, and a dreamer and realist combined. My blog, W. Collective combines all of these passions and provides me an outlet for expressing them.

In my personal time I enjoy spending time exploring new places, learning new things, experiencing new culinary adventures (both at my own hand and the hand of other), learning about people, and spending quality time with my husband, two young sons, and my chocolate lab.

W. Collective (www.wcollectiveinteriors.com) is an interiors and lifestyle blog that aims to provide readers with design tips and inspiration to help them incorporate great design and décor into their home. Our content centers on providing inspiring house tours, looking at current interior and home décor trends, and DIY projects – with a touch of lifestyle content thrown in as well. W. Collective has a selection of curated products that align to our bright, neutral décor style for our readers to source for their space.

Yes, it’s that time of year already when you’re dashing around trying to trump last years Mother’s Day gift. When you’re shopping for the perfect gift for your Mother dearest you can quickly become overwhelmed with all of the choices.

So, to save you the stress of the gift dash, we have put together a bit of a gift guide for those of you who are after some inspiration. With this helpful list you won’t have any troubles finding for the perfect little something that will mean the world to her and what’s even better is that they are all handmade with love.

This gorgeous print sums up what family means to you and your Mom will be oh so proud to put it on display. For those of you who aren’t Lilo & Stitch fans, this touching quote is a real touching moment in the movie and will be perfectly suited somewhere in her home without a doubt.

This handcrafted leaf impression necklace is a perfect statement piece for your Mom. This is a unique gift that will never be able to be duplicated due to the individual leaf imprint that has been casted. It is 99.9% fine silver and will look ever so chic around your Mom’s neck and is definitely something she can cherish for years to come.

Can you smell that? It’s the sweet and timeless aroma of fresh cut roses and another amazing Mother’s Day gift. With a rose being a symbol of love,your Mom will think of you every time this candle is burning bright and when it is not burning at all. The elegant scent of this candle is so strong due to the quality of the fragrance oil and will uplift your Mom’s home every day.

This stylish addition to you Mom’s home will scream sophistication and class. For added effect include a plant that she can love and nurture, just like she did to you for all those years. This white and gray concrete planter is made especially for indoor displays of succulents and other low water house plants which means it won’t be too disastrous if you she forgets to water it every now and then.

Whether the leading lady in your life needs a super sturdy bag to carry her library books, groceries or laptop; this stylish tote has classic charm and style. With it’s durable base and triple sewn straps, it also features a unique antique brass latch that brings the design together.

Now this product hardly needs to be described as it’s perfect for the hardworking woman we know your Mom is. The Good Morning Sunshine beauty pack is an exciting mix of citrus with notes of fresh cucumber, pineapple and champagne and treats it’s relaxation seekers with the perfect pick-me-up every time. Just add some soothing melodies, a glass of bubbles and some uninterrupted ‘her-time’ and your Mom will be well on her way with this gift.

If your Mom is a fashionista in the office and a little bit of a diva she needs this sparkly gift. These rhinestone encrusted pens are handmade and are as unique to one another as a snowflake. With over 250 hand placed gemstones your Mama will exude sparkle inside and out and she will know if anyone tries to claim this pen as there own.

So there you have it. A complete guide to just some of the amazing gift choice this Mother’s Day on aftcra. And don’t forget, sometimes the most precious gift of all is your time, love and gratitude. But enough with that, get shopping, you still have your siblings to out do.

About aftcra’s Guest Blogger, Tahlia of The Freedom Project:

If you manage to find me without a Caramel Latte in hand, you’ve spotted yourself a rare sight. I’m a blogger and digital nomad, writing from one café to the next. I have a degree in Business (Marketing major), have started and sold two online stores in the beauty and fashion space. When I’m not writing or on the road, you will find me spending time with my beautiful family, friends or my amazing man. I also like to watercolor paint and enjoy sloth mode with popcorn and tragic rom-coms. My blog ‘The Freedom Project’ is my journey of the ongoing pursuit to be happy, be free and living an unconventional life that I am proud of. This does mean I said goodbye to ‘normal’ a while ago. I haven’t looked back.

Want to give your dad something different than a tie this year? We don’t blame you. We’ve put together some of our favorite finds on aftcra that are completely unusual, maybe a little fancy, and totally handmade. This list of unique Fathers Day gift ideas are all one-of-a-kind and sure to get a dad high-five (maybe even a few tears).

Everything on this list is handmade by American artisans, so if quality and beauty is what you’re looking for then you’re set.

7. For the Sentimental Dad: Silver Tie Clip of Child’s Artwork
Handmade in Virginia
Price: $199.00
Shop the Silver Tie Clip of Child’s Artwork now!
Details: E-mail us a beloved drawing by your child and we will transform it into a custom, one-of-a-kind sterling silver tie clip. Master goldsmith Mia van Beek and team, whose goal is to capture the life and warmth of the original artwork, takes your child’s artwork and transforms it into silver.

9. For the Writer or Illustrator Pops: Handmade Book Bound in Leather and Wood
Handmade in Oregon
Price: $85.00
Shop the Handmade Book Bound in Leather and Wood now!
Details: This book is a thing of beauty. The binding is hand-sewn, with page signatures stitched onto dark brown bomber-jacket goatskin leather bands, which wrap around and are glued to the wood cover boards. The bands have been given an old-timey kind of shape. Art Nouveau? Steampunk? I’m not sure. The boards are fine-grained thin plywood. The book opens easily and lays flat.

Oh man, do our dad’s rock or what? Whether they love hunting, or endlessly watch Star Wars, or are complete sports fanatics, we love them for the hero they are. But when you’re on a strict financial diet, you still want to show that awesome fella how much he means to you. aftcra we put together a list of unique Father’s Day gifts under $50.00 so you can give him something special while not breaking the bank.

All of these gifts are made in America and handcrafted by artisans. What are your favorites?

4. For the Car-Enthusiast: Custom Car Picture Frame 8×10
Handmade in Indiana
Price: $24.95
Shop the Custom Car Picture Frame 8×10 now!
Detail: A custom photo frame in either black or oak. Pick the right car for you (i.e. Corvette, Mustang, Harley, Hot Rod) and Legacy Images can even add the year of the car!

6. For the Dad Who Need a Cool Keychain: Handmade Leather Key Fob w/ Monogram
Handmade in California
Price: $17.00
Shop the Handmade Leather Key Fob w/ Monogram now!
Details: A 5-6 oz. vegetable leather is cut and cloaked in your choice of tooled monogram. It then moves on to be hand-painted in your preference of dye color. Oiled for endurance and accompanied with a flattened nickel keyring. Includes monogram. Made to order.